Object-oriented non-linear finite element analysis: Application to J2 plasticity

Abstract The object-oriented programming concept is applied to the finite element method for non-linear static analysis. Starting from an existing linear object-oriented environment, the question whether the object-oriented approach can be suitably extended to situations where the algorithmic procedure is dominant is examined. The Newton-Raphson and the stress-integration algorithms are presented along with the necessary extensions to the existing objects. The implementation in C+ + is described. The advantage of object-oriented programming is demonstrated, in particular through the concept of non-anticipation of the state of the object.